We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. More

Best 5 Solar Companies in Grand Junction, CO

Get matched with a top local pro
Join the 10,601 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days
  1. Home
  2. Local Pros
  3. Solar
  4. CO
  5. Grand Junction
Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Grand Junction residents are intentional about protecting the environment and living sustainably. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A professional solar contractor can help you set up and optimize a system that fulfills your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll showcase Grand Junction's top solar installers and offer insightful advice for your solar journey.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Most Reputable
4.4
  • Offers high-efficiency panels and storage options
  • Provides unique in-house financing options
  • Recognized as one of the most reputable solar companies
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • Provides system monitoring
  • Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
  • Provides EV and solar battery solutions

Top Grand Junction Solar Companies

Skyline Solar Logo

Skyline Solar

4.5/5
Based on 122 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Battery StorageFinancing AssistanceSkilled RepairsConsultationCleaning And MaintenancePanel InstallationPermit Assistance

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Free quotes
  • Informative resources
619 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 855-475-9765 skylinesolarpower.com
Brite Solar Logo

Brite Solar

4.5/5
Based on 86 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationConsultationBattery StorageFinancing Assistance

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quotes
321 Rood Ave Suite 204, Grand Junction, CO 435-817-9033 gobritesolar.com
High Noon Solar Logo

High Noon Solar

4.4/5
Based on 35 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Battery StoragePanel InstallationConsultationFinancing AssistanceCleaning And Maintenance

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
  • Free quotes
569 S Westgate Dr Unit 2, Grand Junction, CO 970-241-0209 highnoonsolar.com
Empowered Energy Systems LCA Logo

Empowered Energy Systems LCA

4.7/5
Based on 51 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Cleaning And MaintenanceConsultationPanel InstallationFinancing AssistanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemSkilled Repairs

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
102 W Bridge St, Hotchkiss, CO 970-234-5412 empoweredenergysystems.com

More Local Solar Companies

Atlasta Solar Center

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

3060 Aerotech Pkwy
Montrose, CO 81401

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar installers near Grand Junction, concentrating on the following criteria:

Get Your Solar Project Quote Today

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Facts about Grand Junction
Average Max Temp:57°F
Solar Payback Period:8.9 years
Average Daily Sunlight:62%
Homes Powered by Solar:2,272
Average Annual Energy Bill:$968
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
  • Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
  • Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Grand Junction Homeowners?

Colorado homeowners who go solar could qualify for reimbursements, rebates, special financing and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: cdola.colorado.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for renewable energy system property

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: tax.colorado.gov

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energysmartcolorado.com

Incentive Amount:

Residential
PV: 50% up to $500
Solar Thermal: 50% of project costs
Commercial
50% of project costs

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: bouldercolorado.gov

Incentive Amount:

~15% refund on sales and use tax for the solar installation

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energysmartcolorado.com

Incentive Amount:

PV: 25% of cost
Solar Water Heat: $25% of cost
Solar Thermal Tune-up: 25% of project cost
Micro-hydro and Geothermal: 25% of cost

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: cdola.colorado.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for the percentage of electricity capacity (AC) of a community solar garden attributed to residential or governmental subscribers or organizations that are already exempt from property taxes

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies (local option)

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies (local option)

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: efficiencyworks.org

Incentive Amount:

Air Sealing: $300-$500
Insulation: Up to $1,815
Duct Sealing: $200 (gas-heated homes only)
Window Replacement: Up to $1,000
Air Handler Blower Motor: $150
Whole House Mechanical Ventilation: 20% of cost
Heat Pumps: $500
Replacement Furnace: $300-$500 (gas-heated homes only)
Ductless Mini-Split: $250/head
Replacement Gas Boiler: $300 (gas-heated homes only)
Replacement Water Heater: $100-$500
AC System: $150-$500
Whole House Fan: $275
Evaporative Cooler: $500

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Up to $50,000

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Refrigerator Recycling: varies, contact utility for details
Natural Gas Furnace: $300
EC Motor in New or Existing Furnace: $100
Air Conditioning/Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$600
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300
Water Heater: $70-$450
Evaporative Cooling: $200-$1,200
Attic Insulation: $350-$600
Wall Insulation: $350-$600
Air Sealing, bypass sealing, and weather-stripping: $175-$450
Ground Source Heat Pump: $300/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Attic Insulation: $400-$700
Air Sealing/Bypass Sealing/Weather-Stripping: $250-$550
High Efficiency Lighting: 30% of cost
Wall Insulation: $450-$700
Evaporative Cooling System: $325-$1200
Central Air Conditioner (New): $400 - $700
Central Air Conditioner (Trade In): $550
Ground Source/Geothermal Heat Pump: $300 per ton
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $550
Programmable Thermostat: $25
High Efficiency Furnace: $400
Electrically Commuted Motor: $125
Tankless Water Heater: $200
Standard Tank Water Heater: $100
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $15
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer: $30

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: colorado.gov

Incentive Amount:

$35,000

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: colorado.gov

Incentive Amount:

$250,000

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: xcelenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

2015 Large RFP Program:
Determined through competitive bid. RFP released on March 3, 2016

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: energysmartcolorado.com

Incentive Amount:

$25,000

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Grand Junction

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Consider each of these aspects in your business search.

Licensing and Training

While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, it's up to counties and cities to issue their own solar professional if they choose. Solar companies can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Junction

Your solar modules' type will influence how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Grand Junction. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,109
Solar Polycrystalline$865
Thin-Film$506
Solar Battery$710
Solar Home EV Charger$2,662

Financing Solar Energy in Grand Junction

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Grand Junction.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW1.8 years
2 kW3.6 years
5 kW8.9 years
10 kW17.8 years

Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Grand Junction

How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?

Most Grand Junction homeowners spend about $968 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,127.46 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.

Is solar energy widely available in Grand Junction?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Grand Junction. A growing number of local homes already access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Colorado has about 7174 jobs making up its solar economy.

Will solar energy systems raise my Grand Junction home worth?

Yes, new solar systems lead to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.

What's a Grand Junction solar panel's average lifespan?

Modern solar panels are built to last. The average model is good for 25 years of service. Lower-cost panels tend to last shorter than top-tier models.

How do I care for my new solar system?

To protect your solar system's performance, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every one to two months. Your provider can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.

How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Grand Junction?

The average payback period for a solar loan in Grand Junction is 12.4 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.

How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?

Net metering is a method that credits solar homeowners for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.

Some states or power companies oblige you to participate in net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll receive a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.

How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?

The main differences between a PPA and traditional financing are that you pay a fluctuating monthly rate based on your energy usage and don't own your system. Your solar company installs and maintains the panels, and you pay for the generated electricity for 10–25 years. Afterward, you can continue the contract or purchase the system outright.

You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.